In 2023, we are seeing a profound wave of obstacles and threats forcing organizations to rethink how they do business. One threat, however, stands above the rest in terms of being significantly detrimental to success—the growth of ransomware threats.
In 2021 alone, we saw nearly 66% of businesses hit by some form of a ransomware attack, many suffering devastating consequences. Ransomware is a plague, and the only way to slow it down is through vigilance and updated business cybersecurity measures.
If you’re looking at modernizing your cybersecurity plan and approach as a business, it’s important to understand just how vulnerable you are to ransomware threats.
What is Ransomware?
Business cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving and becoming harder to detect. As cyber criminals become wiser, so too must business owners. Ransomware is a type of malicious software that encrypts data until a ransom is paid to the perpetrator.
It’s one of the most challenging threats out there and it can cost businesses time, money, and often their reputation. The ransomware attack usually plays out in three steps:
- Infection: Executable malicious code (e.g., a ransomware program) is introduced to the system
- Encryption: The malicious code then encrypts data and files on the system, making them inaccessible for users
- Extortion: Attackers demand payment or ransomware in exchange for decryption keys that can make encrypted data accessible again
Assessing How Vulnerable Your Business Is to Ransomware Threats
In order to protect against ransomware threats and minimize the likelihood of becoming victims, businesses must first understand their level of vulnerability. Let’s take a look at a few things you can do to protect yourself from a ransomware attack with enhanced business cybersecurity.
Business Security Audits
A security audit is an assessment of the organization’s existing cybersecurity infrastructure and processes to identify areas of risk. It’s important to assess what procedures you currently have in place and any gaps that could be exploited, such as outdated software, lack of access control, or nonexistent employee security training.
Identifying these weak points allows organizations to better address their need for additional protection against cyber threats.
Employee Security Training
Training employees on cybersecurity best practices is essential for protecting your business from ransomware threats. It’s important to regularly educate employees about the dangers of clicking on malicious links, downloading unknown software onto their devices, and other potential cyber risks.
Utilizing a Trusted Cybersecurity Provider
It’s helpful to work with a trusted IT provider in order to evaluate current systems, recognize potential hazards to infrastructure, and develop solutions that address any identified vulnerabilities.
Working closely with an experienced security partner allows businesses to create strategies tailored specifically to their needs in order to protect their organization from ransomware attacks.
Stasmayer: Your Business Cybersecurity Partner
At the end of the day, it’s essential for businesses to modernize their cybersecurity plan in order to properly protect themselves against cyber threats like ransomware. Understanding where your current vulnerabilities lie is key to making sure that you are doing all you can do to stay protected.
Working with a trusted provider like Stasmayer allows organizations to create strategies tailored specifically to their needs in order to protect their organization from cyber threats. Take the first step today and contact Stasmayer to discuss your security needs.